Sign in toNewYorkUpstate.com

What advanced stats say about the aggressiveness of Buffalo Bills QB Tyrod Taylor

Updated February 13, 2018 at 8:59 AM;Posted February 13, 2018 at 8:52 AM

Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)(Adrian Kraus)

Orchard Park, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills fans have a common complaint when it comes to quarterback Tyrod Taylor. He's not aggressive enough when passing the ball. As it turns out, the numbers bear that out. Sort of.

According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Taylor threw into tight windows on just 15 percent of his passing attempts. A tight-window throw is defined as a throw on which the receiver has a yard or less separation from the defender. Only six qualifying passers had fewer throws into tight windows that Taylor did. Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz led the league with just over 25 percent of his passes thrown into tight windows.

But there's more to that number than meets the eye. In 2017, the Bills' receivers averaged fewer yards of separation on routes than any other team in the NFL. So while Taylor wasn't overly aggressive, his receivers didn't always give him the chance to be. It's easy to see why the passing offense struggled when a quarterback who doesn't prefer to throw into tight windows had receivers who couldn't consistently create separation.

When Taylor did take chances with the football, his numbers were strong. He had a 34.9 completion percentage (17th), 62.9 passer rating (10th) and an adjusted yards per attempt of 5.7 (sixth).

This goes to show the passing offense's struggles fall on more than just Taylor. While Taylor is the most likely player on offense to be replaced, the Bills also need receivers who can create more consistent separation.